Federal Government: The Pick and Choose Genre

The federal government, those operating OUR national government, chooses constitutional laws that fits their ideology - and has been doing so for more than five decades.
Examples ...

• Immigration laws, the most tolerant of any nation, has been ignored by presidents of both political factions - the result is plain to see and has come to be a major national security threat where, technically, the United States is being INVADED.

• The federal government has involved itself to counter religious beliefs and practices, and the US Supreme Court has taken no action. Case in point: Same-Sex Marriage. Marriage certificates are issued by the states; therefore it is the jurisdiction of state/county government when it concerns marriage. Recently the Door County government has refused to issue marriage certificates to same-sex couples; but that was overruled by a federal judge. State rights are clearly described in the US Constitution - but the federal government ignores it and the US Supreme Court turns its head because justices do not comply with their oaths of office by upholding constitutional law.

Mental Health is the Problem - Not the NRA

Our society has become bankrupt as the economy in terms with how society views life in general and how parenting and common sense values and morals have been replaced by the "ME" generation.
CNN reports:

Next time there's a mass shooting, don't jump to blame the National Rifle Association and lax gun laws. Look first at the shooter and the mental health services he did or didn't get, and the commitment laws in the state where the shooting took place.

Firearms are not the problem, the system is

Saving in Summer: Hang Your Clothes to Dry in the Summer Sun

Summer time is BBQ time and it is also the time to save on electric bills by hanging clothes to dry out on a line. There are a couple of ways to do this: (1) purchase two clothesline poles and attach standard cotton clothesline that tends to sag no matter how tight you get them and the poles must be concreted in the ground with stabilizers for stability; (2) purchase a retractable clothesline system; (3) Amish pulley system.

Homeland Security: Just How Secure Are We?

The Department of Homeland Security celebrated its 5th anniversary in March 2014. Are we any more secure since September 11, 2001? It marked the largest consolidation since the Department of Defense was created in 1947.

Americans are being recruited into the Islamic Jihad organization and its operatives, along with the drug cartel, is using our broken border security as a traffic lane. 

Russian bombers on "training mission" fly within 50 miles off the California coast while conducting practice bombing runs near Alaska.

Hillary Clinton and Her Political Dream

Hillary Clinton held a televised“town hall” meeting last week and declared it was time to reinstate the Clinton gun ban. She then claimed that NRA and gun owners are a “minority” which she stated answering a school teacher who asked about high capacity magazines and assault weapons:

We cannot let a minority of people – and that's what it is, it is a minority of people – hold a viewpoint that terrorizes the majority of people.

Giving Away US Equipment and Once Great United States

When the US pulled out of Iraq they left a multitude of military and support equipment paid for by US taxpayers. Now that Iraqi authority and personnel are surrendering, so the US military equipment left behind to help Iraq to defend itself is in the hands of the enemy of free nations of the world.

Your Tax Dollars: National Science Foundation

Thomas Jefferson stands out among the Founders because of his prolific writing and varied talents in which he made major contributions as a politician, statesman, diplomat, intellectual, writer, scientist, and philosopher. Jefferson committed his presidency toward the protection of civil liberties and minority rights, and he also promoted the education of the “masses”. His brilliant scientific mind welcomed technological change. He founded the University of Virginia, established as a secular institution in 1819 after he left the presidency. Jefferson believed that libraries and books were important in individual and institutional education and designed the university around its library. Virginia did not establish free public education in the primary grades until after the Civil War during the Reconstruction Era.

Wild Mushroom Beef Stew

WILD MUSHROOM BEEF STEW

This is a Wisconsin recipe, but also popular in Alaska and the stew I make most often in winter; sometimes substituting beef with venison …

1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed

1/8 cup flour or 1 pkg brown gravy mix

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups beef broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

Shrimp Jambalaya

SHRIMP JAMBALAYA

12 ounces skinless chicken breast

8 ounces smoked sausage

8 ounces ham, diced

1 green pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)

1/3 cup tomato paste

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon oregano

1-1/2 teaspoon Louisiana Hot Sauce

1-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

sea salt to taste

1 pound shrimp, shelled

Cooked rice (white or wild rice)

1. Cut chicken and add all ingredients except shrimp and rice to Crock Pot or Dutch oven.
2. Stir and cook at low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
3. Add shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve on rice and with corn bread.

Chicken Cacciatore

 One of my favorite Italian dishes ...

CHICKEN CACCIATORE

1 to 2 green onions, chopped

3 pounds chicken, cut

2 cans (6 oz.) tomato paste

1 can sliced mushrooms (4 oz), drained

1 Bay leaf

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cloves minced garlic

2 teaspoons oregano

½ teaspoon Basil

½ cup dry, white wine

Cooked spaghetti

1. Put chopped onion in Crock Pot and add chicken.
2. I a bowl, stir in tomato paste, mushrooms, herbs and wine. Pour over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours. (If cooking on high you should to stir occasionally)

Chicken and Shrimp Casserole

CHICKEN AND SHRIMP CASSEROLE

1-1/4 cup raw wild or brown rice

½ cup melted butter

2-1/2 to 3 cups cooked chicken, cut

½ pound mushrooms, sliced

1/3 cup Soy Sauce

1 pound shelled shrimp

1 green onion with stalk, chopped

1. Mix rice with butter in Crock Pot, stir to coat thoroughly.
2. Add all ingredients, except green onion.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours; or high heat for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Sprinkle chopped green onion on top before serving.

Rosemary Pork and Mushroom Stew

ROSEMARY PORK WITH MUSHROOMS

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup shallot mushrooms, chopped

2 pounds boneless pork roast, sliced

1 can diced tomatoes (14-oz.)

1 tablespoon rosemary

½ tablespoon thyme

1 tablespoon powdered garlic or 4 cloves, minced

1 green onion with stalk, chopped

1. Heat oil in skillet until shimmering and brown pork on both sides.
2. Drain meat and put in Crock Pot or Dutch oven.
3. Add remaining ingredients and stir.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Smoked Sausage Gumbo

Wisconsin, along with its cheese and beer, is also famous for its sausage; brats being a state-wide favorite. This recipe is a Louisiana recipe Wisconsin style ...

SMOKED SAUSAGE GUMBO

1 cup chicken or beef broth

1 carrot, chopped 

1 cup green beans

1 can (14.5-oz) diced tomatoes

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Fried Morel Mushrooms

Another recipe from the state of Wisconsin features a prized mushroom that is found along the rivers, streams and forests (and a shady portion of one's front/back yard) in the “Dairy State”. This appetizer can go with many things, especially summer time grilled food.

(4 appetizer servings)

1 pound morel mushrooms

½ cup olive oil

2 eggs

¾ cup milk

1 packet (4 ounces) saltine crackers, finely crushed (unsalted)

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

1. Clean mushrooms carefully with a damp paper towel or a soft mushroom brush. Cut large mushrooms in half.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, beat the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Coat the mushrooms in the egg and milk mixture, then toss them in the cracker crumbs. Carefully place the coated mushrooms in the heated oil. The mushrooms will cook quickly. Cook the mushrooms until they are golden brown on the bottom, then flip them over to brown the other side.
3. When the mushrooms are evenly browned, remove them from the pan to drain on a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Wisconsin Beer-Cheese Soup

This recipe is brought to you by the state of ...

Click on image to enlarge

Wisconsin, known as America's Dairyland and also famous for its beer and brats and German/Scandinavian foods. It is bordered by the states of Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois and a Great Lake state with Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east. The name of the state is taken from the Wisconsin River that was named by Algonquian tribes living in the region when Europeans first made contact. French explorers, Jean Nicolet (1634) and Jacques Marquette, was the first European to reach the Wisconsin River in 1673. It is thought the name is a derivative of the Miami tribe word Meskonsing, meaning red river because the Wisconsin River flows through reddish sandstone of the Wisconsin Dells.

The territory of Wisconsin was officially named in 1845 and has been populated by various people for the past 12,000 years. 

Allen West Tired of Being Called "Islamphobe"

Letter from Allen West:

I’m sick of people telling us to not offend Muslims and that these are just the actions of those who are perverting Islam. I’m sick of Barack Hussein Obama supporting Islamists. I’m sick of us allowing this theocratic-political totalitarian ideology to infiltrate Western Civilization and turn our laws against us as they masquerade as a religion. I’m sick of tolerance becoming a one-way street leading to our cultural suicide.

I’m sick of being labeled as an “Islamophobe” for speaking the truth. If I’m an Islamophobe, Churchill was a “Naziphobe.”

Steadfast and Loyal,

Herb-Crusted Salmon

Fish when heated congeals forming a white layer of albumen, which ruins the taste. So brining is essential before roasting/grilling or even baking fish.

Cut a whole center-cut salmon fillet (1-1/2 to 2 pounds) into four pieces.

Brining Meat, Poultry, and Fish

Brining Small Cuts

Brining meats and poultry has been a tradition for game meat, which improves the flavor and texture and has been used in human history as a means of preservation. This includes fish. Game meat is far more lean than meat and poultry from domesticated animals.

The standard salt to water ratio for brine is 4 tablespoons of sea salt or kosher per 1 quart (4 cups) of water. It is preferable to use distilled/purified water rather than tap water whether you have well or city water. Large sections of game meat or poultry like turkey require a container large enough to submerge and be done overnight (up to 12 hours, not less than 4 hours). Small cuts like pork chops or chicken breasts or Cornish hens, 30 minutes to 2 hours in the brine. You can infuse extra flavor by adding spices and aromatics like a few slivers of ginger for pork chops or a lemon rind and sprigs of rosemary and/or thyme for roasted chicken. Brining is essential before roasting or grilling meats and fish.

Pulse of the Nation: Erratic But Getting Stronger

The pulse of this nation toward true reform is erratic, but still strong.

• The mainstream media whose agenda is to destroy the Tea Party movement like it was a third political party trying to obtain a foothold; has claimed recently that it is on its way to extinction. But apparently this is not true because the Tea Party organization and its members have pushed for true reformation as always and two political candidates lose their long tenure in Congress to candidates who embrace the Tea Party platform: limited government per constitution, free enterprise, and the elimination of income tax/IRS. 

"All We Are Is Dust In The Wind"

On May 28^th I was cutting grass in the front yard when I collapsed and my heart stopped. After emergency surgery I now am strapped with a pacemaker that seems to be the same size as a small cell phone. I am alive, but feel like Frankenstein must have felt when he awoke after his lightning jolt that brought him back to life. I now face the reality that my life on this planet Earth is coming quickly to a close. I now live on borrowed time, so to speak. No regrets, just the human thinking of so much more that can be accomplished, bucket list and moments enjoyed - all selfish reasons, I guess.

I am a realist and I know that life does not last forever.

Dinesh D'Souza: Targeted by Progressive Socialists

The new documentary (trailer) by the author of America: Imagine the World Without Her. Based on the book of the same name by Dinesh D'Souza, an immigrant who became a legal citizen who has not only assimilated in the United States, but is on a campaign to save the American constitutional republic for which was the reason for his immigration and preventing progressive socialism from gaining any more ground over that which the Founders worked so hard and sacrificed so much to create a government that would be part of our once great nation.

Chicken and Broccoli Penne

One of my favorite, maybe the favorite, foods is Italian. I have fond memories as a teenager when the Fattigati family would invite me over for dinner, especially when Momma Fattigati made handmade ravioli. A lot of work when considering how fast it went at the dinner table; but was thoroughly appreciated.

Chicken and Broccoli Penne

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced thin

Sea Salt

Black Pepper

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup onion flakes or 1 onion, chopped fine

6 garlic cloves, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

½ cup Sauvignon Blanc or other white dry wine

2-1/2 cups water

2 cups chicken broth

8 ounces (2-1/2 cups) Penne

8 ounces broccoli florets, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)

Braised Red Potatoes

Braised Red Potatoes

1-1/2 pounds small (1-1/2” dia.) red potatoes, unpeeled, halved

2 cups water

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ tablespoon dried thyme

3 garlic cloves, peeled

¾ teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons minced fresh chives or dried chives

1. Arrange potatoes in a single layer, cut side down, in a 12-inch skillet. Add water, butter, thyme, garlic and salt and bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Remove lid and use slotted spoon to transfer garlic to cutting board; discard thyme. Increase heat to medium-high and vigorously simmer, swirling pan occasionally until water evaporates and butter starts to sizzle, 15 to 20 minutes. When cool enough to handle, mince garlic to paste. Transfer paste to bowl and stir in lemon juice and black pepper.
3. Continue to cook potatoes, swirling pan frequently until butter browns and cut sides of potatoes turn spotty brown, 4 to 6 minutes longer. Turn off heat and add chives and garlic mixture, tossing to thoroughly coat. Ready to serve.

NOTE: This can be cooked in cast-iron skillet; however, a quality, non-stick (lighter) skillet like T-fal professional 12.5-inch pan is easier to handle when swirling. This brand has the longest lasting stick-free surface and quality manufacturing.

Red potatoes contain less starch than russet potatoes and the small size makes it for better presentation/serving.

American Thinker Celebrates Ten Years of Fighting For A Constitutional Republic

American Thinker celebrates its 10th anniversary in establishing logic in the complicated world of politics serving as a mentor for a society that must reform itself in the process of reforming the government back to its limitations, policies and more simple straight forward regulations that Big Government has pushed into the dust bin of history. Indeed, American Thinker echoes the wisdom and knowledge of history and the schematics of what a civilized people should be just like the Founders.
 It is time for another Age of Enlightenment.

Tuna Stuffed Peppers

This is a good summer recipe, as is, or a side dish for grilled salmon and/or add with side dish of stuffed tomatoes for variety; recipe from StarKist …

Grilled Salmon

Fishing season has come upon us here on the Peninsula and one of the favorite catches amongst perch, catfish and trout is salmon. It is also the time to be firing up your grill, be it propane or charcoal.

Chicken and Peanut Stew

Now that you made Dakota Bread, you might want to serve it with the following unique stew ...

CHICKEN AND PEANUT STEW

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

2 garlic clove, minced (or more per taste)

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground coriander

sea salt and black pepper

1 tablespoon canola oil (olive or peanut oil)

1 large onion, coarsely chopped or 1 tablespoon dried flake onion

2 jalapeno chilies, finely chopped (seeds & ribs removed for less spiciness)

6 plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped

1 large potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/3 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter (or blended whole peanuts)

1 can (14.5 oz) reduced sodium chicken broth

Dakota Bread

NORTH DAKOTA STATE

North Dakota was admitted to the United States on November 2^nd, 1889 and is the 39^th state of the Union. It is in the Upper Midwestern region bordered by Canada (Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces) to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west.

Scrutinizing the Case of Sgt Bergdahl and 12-Year-Old Stabbing in Wisconsin

Stop Hillary 2016 PAC

When I first reported about the situation with POW SGT Bowe Bergdahl and the plea to the federal government to bring him home, I was aware of allocations and indications that he had deserted his post. In the military, as in civilian life, wrongdoing must be proven before judgment (innocent until proven guilty).

Of course, now that he has been freed, at the cost of letting loose five of the Taliban's top officers; we can now turn to the matter as to how he got captured. Most military, active and retired, would agree that it is important to bring everyone home – dead or alive.

California Primary: Voters Cast Votes for Alleged Gun Smuggler

On March 28^th, 2014, I wrote an article about Senator Leland Lee who was arrested on March 26^th concerning charges of bribery and fraud in gun running business in California, where the Second Amendment is not allowed to be exercised by its citizens.

Poor, Poor, Pitiful Hillary

Hillary Clinton has a top money man for her campaign in 2016: Jeffrey Katzenberg, a 63-year-old Hollywood movie executive, home to democratic-socialists who root for people like Obama/Clinton. Is it not peachy that Democrats put down political opponents because they are wealthy – but presently in Washington, DC, the wealthiest of the politicians in percentage are Democrats. Let's face it, in modern politics if you want to run for office in Washington DC, you must be wealthy and/or know a lot of wealthy people. Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg (Dreamworks) are not only business partners, but they are uptight with the Clintons and have been since Bill Clinton's campaign for president and Bill and Hillary's days in the White House.

Education in America: As Bankrupt As The Economy

The Department of Education and National Education Association coupled with the myriad of other government organizations, agencies and bureaucratic offices seem to pat themselves on the back and saying what a great education system we have - but it is not true.
When it is pointed out how much our educational system is failing, those that operate our federal government think it just requires more funding or making up a program like No Child Left Behind, et cetera, which does nothing to fix the problem but makes the political prostitutes and incompetents in the education system, especially administration, "feel good".

Latin Fried Chicken

You have heard of Southern-Fried Chicken, but have you tried Latin-Fried Chicken?

Whenever “Latin” is mentioned today everyone thinks Hispanic; but that is not so. Italian and Spanish languages are Latin-based and originated, thus Latin could be Spanish or Italian or Mexican or South American or Puerto Rican.

Base Closure Plans and Obama Asks for $1 Billion Funding

The Pentagon has requested (to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel) base closures and consolidations of bases in Europe in the US support of NATO, worried about renewed Russian aggression in its annexation of the Ukraine by President Putin. 

Republicans Vote For Poorly-Written Legislation

If people had the same attitude about flying in airplanes as they do with firearms – few would fly.

The recent action in the House of Representatives is a perfect example of why bills should not be folded into other bills – but stand on their own.

National Security and Mexico

What nation's leadership would allow invaders to cross their borders without declaring war?

That is what has happened over the decades at the border between Mexico and the United States.

While it is primarily the fault of the Democratic Party and their insistence that in the name of “human rights” that we not only ignore the situation, but provide amnesty to those who are here illegally. Republicans capitulate to the politicians of the democratic-socialists because it all has to do with voting. If you were an immigrant who came to another country illegally would you not support the politicians who turn their heads and claim that anyone who disapproves are racist?

Harry Reid and His Disgusting Career and Legacy

Star Parker has provided us with an update concerning the infamous Senator Harry Reid, an embarrassment to any nation with any semblance of responsible leadership. Indeed, if I was a resident in the state of Nevada, I would be embarrassed that he holds any office in government at any level, and worse, for as long as he has languished in Congress causing more trouble, involving himself in unethical actions, and making false statements about the character and actions of others in Congress who do not conform to his totalitarian ideology.